Dear Fantasy Reader Podcast Summary

Episode Title: Xaden’s Potential Third Signet: An Empyrean Theory Deep Dive
Release Date: January 2, 2025

1. Introduction to Zaden's Signet and Marked Ones Relics

In this episode of Dear Fantasy Reader, host Carly delves into the intricate details of Zaden’s signet and the mysterious relics of the Marked Ones. She sets the stage by emphasizing the importance of understanding these elements to unravel why runes were banned around 200 AU.

Carly [00:00]: "Today's episode is going to be all things Zaden's signet and the Marked Ones relics, and I think these relics are going to tell us why the runes were banned around 200 au."

2. Examining Zaden's Potential Third Signet

Carly posits that Zaden possesses a third signet linked to his Rebellion Relic, which he remains unaware of. She clarifies that while it may not traditionally be considered a signet, the abilities function similarly, warranting the terminology for ease of discussion.

Carly [00:45]: "I believe Zaden has a third signet tied to his Rebellion Relic that he does not know that he has."

3. Liam's Signet: Farsight vs. Ice Discrepancy

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around a puzzling moment where Violet observes Liam wielding spears of ice, conflicting with his known signet of farsight. Carly explores possible explanations, including potential editing mistakes, remnants of Feathertail gifts, or connections to his relic.

Carly [02:30]: "When I say we're going to be deep diving Zaden's signet, I do not mean his first signet or his second signet."

4. Rebellion Relics and Their Signet-like Abilities

Carly examines the nature of the Rebellion Relics, suggesting that all Marked Ones might possess inherent signet-like abilities tied to their relics. She highlights the uniqueness of Zaden’s relic, which appears to extend further up his arm and neck compared to others, indicating a deeper activation.

Carly [05:15]: "Zaden's relic goes up his neck, almost brushing his jaw... it was activated not only by his father's death, but also by his aunts."

5. Zaden's Relic and Storm Wielding Theory

Building on the relic discussion, Carly introduces her theory that Zaden may be a storm wielder. She draws correlations between stormy conditions appearing during pivotal moments involving Zaden and Violet, suggesting his relic amplifies existing weather phenomena.

Carly [09:00]: "I think he was able to amplify the storm conditions unknowingly in that moment."

6. Possible Distance Wielder Ability

While primarily focusing on storm abilities, Carly also entertains the possibility that Zaden could possess a distance wielding ability. She debates the likelihood of this being true, considering the scant evidence and contrasts it with her stronger inclination towards the storm theory.

Carly [14:20]: "I think it's possible Zaden is a distance wielder and simply does not know it."

7. Runes and Their Bans: The Power Dynamics

Carly connects the potential unchecked power of relics and runes to the historical ban on runes 200 AU ago. She speculates that the ability to control or amplify signets could have been a driving factor behind the prohibition, highlighting the dangers of such immense power without proper oversight.

Carly [18:10]: "If runes can be used to give people these signet like abilities... this is just too much power to give somebody."

8. Exploring Garak's Signet Ability

Shifting focus, Carly discusses theories surrounding Garak’s unknown signet ability. She analyzes moments from the books that hint at his potential powers, such as his ability to handle the missive and his interactions with Zaden and Violet, suggesting abilities like emotion sensing or enhanced perception.

Carly [21:30]: "It's possible that either he has the ability to sense emotions or maybe look through things, see through things."

9. Listener Theories and Contributions

Carly shares and evaluates various listener-submitted theories regarding Garak's signet. Ideas range from him being a metallurgist with weapon-making skills to connections with Norse mythology, suggesting abilities like superhuman strength or communication enhancements.

Carly [24:50]: "Someone pointed out that perhaps Garak is some sort of metallurgist... But there is that moment in Fourth Wing when Xaden gets those daggers specially made for Violet."

10. Conclusion and Future Discussions

Concluding the episode, Carly wraps up her analysis of Zaden’s potential third signet and Garak's mysterious abilities. She invites listeners to continue the discussion on her Bookstagram and teases the next episode, which will feature a deep dive into the Venin.

Carly [28:00]: "Next week we will be back with a deep dive on the Venin."

Key Takeaways:

• Zaden’s Third Signet: Carly presents a compelling theory that Zaden might possess an undiscovered third signet related to his Rebellion Relic, potentially granting him storm-wielding abilities.

• Liam’s Signet Discrepancy: The episode explores the inconsistency between Liam’s known signet and his observed abilities, considering factors like editing errors or relic influences.

• Runes’ Historical Ban: The potential for uncontrolled signet manipulation is linked to the historical prohibition of runes, underscoring the themes of power and control within the Empyrean series.

• Garak’s Mysterious Ability: Listener theories offer diverse perspectives on Garak's signet, with Carly analyzing and weighing their plausibility based on textual evidence.

Notable Quotes:

• Carly [00:45]: "I believe Zaden has a third signet tied to his Rebellion Relic that he does not know that he has."

• Carly [09:00]: "I think he was able to amplify the storm conditions unknowingly in that moment."

• Carly [18:10]: "This is just too much power to give somebody not only the ability potentially to just give themselves unlimited signets, but to maybe even be able to control what the signets are."

• Carly [24:50]: "But I do think Garrick, if anyone's a storm wielder, it's definitely going to be Zaden."

Engage with the Community:

For further discussions on Fourth Wing or Iron Flame, join Carly on her Bookstagram bookishisbetter. Don’t forget to subscribe to the Dear Fantasy Reader podcast for more deep dives and thrilling theories every Tuesday!